Transhumanism: Reflections from a Non-Scientist

My name is Matt Howe and I am not a scientist. I am, in
fact a business man, and other than a few classes in college, my formal
training in most scientific disciplines ended either in college or from what I
can gather off the internet or have learned from others. Yes, I have a great
deal of expertise in the Risk Management sector and being in sales I have
probably a better than average gift for communication, but despite all these
seeming limitations, I am a Transhumanist, part of the Mormon Transhumanist
Association, and Transhumanism needs me.

You see, like most folks who align with Transhumanism, I
have a deep appreciation and love for science and technology. It could be
argued that I am an amateur philosopher when it comes to the application of
scientific ideas. I love how fast technology is changing our world and every
day it seems like there is something new that humanity has discovered/invented
that will improve our lives.

One thing about Transhumanism that I especially like is
that it's fluid. Even in the MTA we argue direction of its goals. And not
everyone agrees in the end. For instance, I actually detest the idea of a
Singularity as some have defined it. Any idea in which I lose personal identity
is an affront to me. But to others it's essential.

Other than my own philosophical arguments, what exactly
do I offer the Transhumanist narrative? The truth is, Transhumanism not only
needs me, it needs everyone. It requires that we all advance ourselves one way
or another to a superior state of understanding and enlightenment, and frankly,
in order for that to happen, the small steps necessary along the way have to be
understood and implemented by brick layers, real estate agents, retail managers
and yes, even Insurance Brokers like me.

One conclusion that many Transhumanists have arrived at
is that technology is the vehicle to reach a post human state, and that
technology needs to accessible by all, not just the uber rich or privileged. In
fact, to arrive at our lofty goals for redeeming humanity, for becoming a race
of people filled with no desire to have wars, that there be no poor among us,
that we be all equals, the world needs to play some catch up.

For one, we require to be enlightened. All of us. The
UPS driver needs to know why and how and what we are about to buy in if she
chooses and how people's lives have both meaning and purpose in the grand
scheme. It's clear that perhaps the most pressing goal of Transhumanism is to
disseminate as much technology, to as many people, for as low a cost as is
possible.

Imagine if all the kids in North Korea had cell phones
and access to Google and the rest of the world of information on the internet?
If they realized how small the world is becoming, would their ideas of
isolation change? Would the old way of thinking die and they embrace the world
as so many others have? Perhaps the peace we've so long sought for in the
Middle East could be overcome by access to more than one narrative through
technology they do not currently possess?

The benefits of a more technological world are nearly
endless, and if we can somehow empower individuals with their own access, then
perhaps the powers and ability of those who wish to subject others will be
either greatly diminished or even eliminated.

These lofty goals cannot be reached however without me.
And you. And the guy down the street. We'll even need the critics along the way
to help us self reflect, but the level of understanding we require begs that
we, all of us, participate. In other words, it can't be just a few scientists
and intellectuals pursuing these ends, it must be the entire world.